Internet Bingo Association A Possibility

Internet bingo has grown to such an extent that there are rumors of internet bingo providers forming a separate organization rather than remain in the current Bingo Association that is mostly focused on the land based bingo industry. Rumor has it that several representatives of the internet bingo industry have been in talks regarding the formation of a separate internet bingo association.

It is no secret that the land based bingo industry in the UK is in serious trouble. Recently bingo giant Gala announced the closing of several bingo halls and the layoff of hundreds of employees. The recent decision by Parliament to keep the onerous 22% tax on bingo has sent shock waves through the industry. Many of the land based providers have gone online in an attempt to shore up their companies.

The relationship between internet bingo providers and the Bingo Association is murky at best. Many of the internet bingo providers serving the UK are located offshore and many in the Bingo Association feel that different licensing requirements and regulations could make it difficult to reach a consensus between land based and internet bingo providers.

The idea of a separate internet bingo association would seem to indicate that many in the industry are seeking some sort of self regulation that would benefit all members of such an association. Some industry insiders feel that the new association would lack any kind of regulatory experience and because of the many websites licensed offshore the organization would face opposition to negotiating with the UK government.

If industry self regulation is done right it could eliminate the need for more government regulation. Most internet gaming companies are publicly traded and are not about to engage in spurious activities that would hurt the industry. The rapid influx of former land based bingo players in the UK has made the industry one of the few industries to thrive during the ongoing global recession.

Internet bingo sites are now engaged in fierce competition for new players. Bingo sites are offering free bingo bonuses and larger bingo sign up bonuses and free play options to attract players and retain existing players. Since internet bingo sites do not have the overhead of bingo halls they are able to offer larger bingo bonuses and many other perks for players.

As internet bingo continues to experience massive growth the likelihood of a separate internet bingo association seems unavoidable. Only time will tell but at present the formation of a separate internet bingo association seems inevitable.

By Anthony Wayne
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